Monthly Archive

Right: Miami R-I Courtwarming will be held Tuesday, January 31, 2012. The girls Varsity basketball game against Rich Hill will begin at 5:30p.m., followed by the boys Varsity game. The ceremony, which includes the crowning of King and Queen, will be held at halftime of boy’s basketball game. Miami Courtwarming Candidates are (left to right): Juniors Josie Quigg & Zack White; Senior Jenna Slattery; Sophomores Dylan Good and Makalyn Gutshall; Freshmen Skyler Greathouse and Caitlin Slattery.

The Adrian Blackhawks traveled to Lakeland Tuesday night, January 17 for non-conference action and both boys and girls came away with victories. “It was a good win for us on the road” commented Coach Basore.

In the boys contest Adrian posted a 63 to 56 win and moved their overall record to 8-2. “We didn’t come out ready to play but did enough to win” commented Coach Basore.

The games on Friday night against Osceola were cancelled due to bad weather.

Right: Kamiron Luptak takes a shot from the outside against the Lady Vikings defender last Tuesday night at Lakeland.

Eric Moles puts up two against the Butler Bears in the first round of the 82nd annual Archie Tournament Monday night. Moles scored 23 points. On this night Eric became the second highest scorer in Adrian boy’s basketball history. He now has a total of 1293 points. Before Monday night Jim Sterns was in 1st place with 2307; Phil Young, 2nd with 1276; Derek Moles (Eric’s dad), 3rd with 1272; and 4th was Mark Tenholder with 1203.

In the first round of the 82nd Annual Archie Tournament on Monday night, the No. 3 seed Adrian Blackhawks boys team went up against the No. 6 seed Butler Bears. The game went into overtime and the Blackhawks fell short, 53-44.

Coach Basore commented on the game, “We have to have some kids step up for us to keep improving.”

Lonny Duckworth, is not new to volunteer leadership. He was a charter member of the Bates County Cattlemen affiliate and served as both their Vice President and President along with representing Bates members on the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Board as a Director. After filling a State Regional VP role for 2 years, Duckworth moved into the executive line up as 1st Vice-President. In 2012, he takes the reins as President of MCA.

Avis Lee Cannon, 92, of Urich, Missouri, died Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at her century-old home in Bates County, MO. She was the elder daughter of Bishop Cannon and Ruby Stella (Ramsey) Cannon.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton, MO. Burial was in the Mullin Cemetery, rural Urich, MO. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Heartland Hospice or the Urich Historical Society. These donations may be left in care of the funeral home.

Ralph Leroy Epley, age 82 of Butler, Missouri, passed away on January 19, 2012 at Adrian Manor Nursing Home in Adrian, Missouri. He was born on September 19, 1929 to Chester and Crystenia Cox Epley west of Adrian.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Chris Snyder officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to the Passaic United Methodist Church, Crossroads Hospice or Adrian Manor.

Seniors Colt Cumpton and Kristy Ray were named as the 2012 Courtwarming King and Queen. Colt is the son of Paul and Chris Cumpton. Kristy is the daughter of Jim and Marie Ray.

For 117 years, the Adrian Volunteer Fire Department has served the Adrian community. In 1895, the city fire department was formed and Tom Maxey was named as the first Fire Chief. In those days before motorized vehicles, when a fire call sounded, anyone with a team of horses on Main Street was required to unhitch their team from their wagon and take the horses to be hitched to the fire wagon.

On 1/9/2012, deputies made a vehicle stop on 71 Highway just south of 52 Highway. The vehicle was occupied by Chayne Bittner, 12/8/1975 and Robin Bittner, 9/16/1969 both of Noel, Missouri. During the vehicle stop deputies detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When confronted about the odor the driver, Chayne Bittner, admitted to having marijuana plants in the back seat of the vehicle. The driver and passenger were placed under arrest and the plants were secured for evidence. In addition approximately 12 pounds of marijuana was found.

During the week of January 22-28, communities across the state will honor the dedicated service of local boards of education during School Board Recognition Week. The goal is to build awareness and understanding of the important function an elected board of education plays in communities and schools. The Adrian R-III School District administration, staff and students would like to thank the school board (pictured) for their many hours of service and dedication to our school and community. Front row: Susan McMillan and Steve Lewis.

The Adrian Blackhawks traveled to Barstow for non-conference action Tuesday, January 10. In the girls contest the Lady Blackhawks held on for the 36-29 victory. The boys were on the losing end as they fell 38 to 51.

Lady Blackhawks Coach Basore commented, “It was good to play in a close game with under a minute to go. I thought we handled the pressure down the stretch.”

Coach Basore said about the boys game, “It’s hard to beat a good team on the road when we shoot that poorly.”

Larry Alan Ridley, age 51 of El Dorado Springs, MO died Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler, MO. He was born November 21, 1960 to Cletis Leroy and Betty Louise Johnson Ridley in Kansas City, KS.

Larry’s wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories. Memorial services are 3 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, with Pastor Kevin Berry officiating. Contributions to the family.

Evelyn Darlene Roberts, age 79 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, January 12, 2012 in Butler. She was born January 20, 1932 to Strawther John and Jesse Mae Morton Reynolds in Delavan, Illinois.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to the Humane Society.

William “Bill” Cook, age 76 of Montrose, Missouri died Sunday, January 8, 2012 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Missouri. He was born July 11, 1935 to Stephen and Loretta Kaumans Cook in Montrose.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose, Missouri with Rev. Steve Cook officiating. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Montrose. Contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In an effort to increase student learning and academic achievement, the Miami R-I School District I-Pad One-to-One Initiative is underway. On January 3, 2012, preschool - 6th grade students and parents learned about the new learning tool in an evening full of excitement at Miami Elementary.

By MICHELE BURRIS

The Archie R-V School District is now the site in which citizens can go during tornadoes and severe weather.  With funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a new gymnasium has been constructed under a monolithic dome that is designed to withstand an F5 tornado.  The new gym will accommodate a large number of individuals who are seeking shelter. 

An Economic Planning and Development Commission has been approved by the Adrian City Council. Members pictured are: David Hill, Steve Hubbard, Rita Scott, Curtis Reynolds and Danny Ferguson. Not pictured: Randy Wimsatt and Kip Yoss.

submitted photo

By BATES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

On 1/6/2012 the Bates County Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Patrol was in a pursuit of a vehicle on 71 Hwy. During the pursuit the suspect struck a Highway Patrol Officer’s vehicle. The pursuit continued on East 52 Hwy. until the suspect ran off the roadway into a field. The suspect then ran from the vehicle on foot.

The 2012 Adrian High School Courtwarming Royal Court has been announced.  This year’s candidates are pictured.  Front row:  Samantha Palmer, freshman; Shelbi Schenker, sophomore; Ashley Riley, junior; Kristy Ray, senior.  Back row:  Tanner McElwain, freshman; Kevin Bridges, sophomore; Joey Frazier, junior; and Colt Cumpton, senior. 

The King and Queen will be crowned between the girls varsity game and the boys varsity game this Friday night.  The Blackhawks will take on Lone Jack beginning with the junior varsity game at 5:30pm. The Courtwarming dance follows the games.

By MICHELE BURRIS

Caitlin Kimminau is a junior at Adrian High School and an FCCLA member. This summer Caitlin delivered food to workers in Joplin, where an F5 tornado destroyed many homes and businesses, including Emerson Elementary School. She also volunteered her time in Joplin, along with FCCLA Advisor Julie Carr.  Caitlin said, “By seeing the destruction in Joplin, I realized I could help give back. I know how much a teacher’s classroom means to him/her, so I decided to raise money for Emerson Elementary as my FCCLA service project.”

In October 2011 Makenzi Adams, 20 year old from Adrian, was crowned the 2012 Miss Missouri Collegiate queen. Miss Collegiate is a pageant system for college girls ages 18-28 years of age, from any college, trade, or grad school in the state.

Makenzi has competed in pageants since the age of 14 and while she has won many sub-titles and placed in top 5 queens court, this is her first title as queen. She will now go on to compete in the National Pageant with 49 other state contestants in San Antonio, Texas in March. She is extremely proud and honored to represent Missouri.

The Adrian Bank continues to show their support of local organizations as Lori Haskins, Vice President, presents checks to:

Right: Don Arndt of the Western Missouri Antique Tractor & Machinery Association

Middle: Gary Dizney of the Adrian Fire Department

Far right: Jeannette Emerson of the Adrian Community Library.

submitted photos

After a long holiday break the Adrian Blackhawks varsity girls and boys opened the 2012 portion of their season at home. Tuesday, January 3rd the Blackhawks hosted the El Dorado Springs Bulldogs in non-conference action.

In the girls contest, the Lady Bulldogs were just too much for Adrian as they took a 49 to 32 win. Coach Basore commented, “I thought our girls came out and played hard against a very good El Dorado team.”

The Adrian Youth Wrestling Club took 30 kids to the Butler novice/open tournament Sunday. Cole Ritter, Trevor Thompson and Caleb Shanks also wrestled in the Mid-West Showdown in St. Joesph on Saturday. Cole and Trevor placed third and Caleb placed second. The Adrian Youth Wrestling Club will host a novice/open tournament January 22nd in the Adrian east gym.

Pictured: Walker Watts, Adrian, of the Youth Wrestling Program competed in the Butler tournament last Sunday.

submitted photo

Jeannette Emerson of the Adrian Community Library accepts a check from Cary Six of the Adrian Optimist Club for the Library.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting Thursday, January 5 at Wimfield’s on Main, for the purpose of electing new officers for the upcoming year. Elected to the board were: Front row - Linda Oldfield, Board Member; Lori Haskins, Secretary; Kip Yoss, Past President. Back row - Troy Engelhardt, President; Dale Bishop, Board Member; Josh Nieder, Board Member; Phil Oates, Treasurer. Not pictured - David Hill, President-Elect.

The Adrian Blackhawks JV and Varsity wrestling teams hosted Butler, Prairie View and Louisburg last Thursday, January 5.
Adrian vs Butler: Final Score: Adrian 42, Butler 28.
Adrian vs Louisburg: Final Score: Adrian 54. Louisburg 6.

The 2012 Academic All-State team was announced recently by the Missouri Fooball Coaches Association. To qualitfy for the team a player must attain at least two of the three following criteria: GPA of 3.5 or above, rank in the top 10% of his class, or have an ACT score of 25 or better. The player must have also started at least 70% of the season. Adrian had five players make the team. This ties them for the most of any Class 2 team.  Named to the team were, left to right: Rian Lewis, Drew Cochran, Harrison Wainwright, Ethan Weeks, Austin Pitts.

The Board of Directors of Adrian Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Randy Reed to First Vice President of the bank. Randy currently serves as Vice President of the Butler Branch, and focuses on Lending and Business Development. With this latest change, Randy will be in charge of the daily operation of the Butler Branch and retain his current duties as Loan Officer and Business Development Officer. Vice President and Cashier, Teresa Smith, will remain as Branch Manager of the Butler Branch and Assistant Vice President.

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to honor Students of the Month from the Ballard, Miami, and Adrian schools. Criteria for this honor center on outstanding academic and civic achievement and school spirit. Staff at each of the schools make the selection, and their decision is based on expansion of these criteria. The Students of the Month are pictured.

Right (Adrian): Don Lile, Adrian Assistant Principal; Alex Apple; and Mike Peterson, Adrian Optimist Member.

Middle (Ballard): Mike Peterson, Adrian Optimist Member; Hailey Resz, and Jimmie Barton, Ballard Principal.

Agnes Gareldine VanBenthusen, age 91 of Butler, Missouri went to Heaven Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Laredo Medical Center in Laredo, Texas. She was born August 26, 1920 to Leslie Vest and Lucy Maude Briscoe Feris in Adrian, Missouri.

Funeral services were Monday, January 9, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Mark Dareing officiating. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. Contributions, Virginia United Methodist Church Youth Building.

Roberta Fern Scrogham, age 73 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, January 1, 2012 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born October 7, 1938 to Robert Foster and Ruby Lenore Boling Bartlett in Butler.

Roberta’s wishes were to be cremated. No services. Contributions may be made to the DaVita Dialysis Center, Butler, Missouri. Inurnment, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.

Anita Aline McPheron, age 94 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, January 1, 2012 in Butler. She was born July 31, 1917 to Clarence and Cora Powell McGovern in Butler.

Funeral services were Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Butler First Baptist Church or Heartland Hospice.

Joe B. Love, 73, of Amsterdam, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012 at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on June 5, 1938 in Parsons, Kansas. After the death of his father, he was adopted in 1942 by Roy Wesley and Mary Jewell Wasson Love.

Funeral services were Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Bill Foil officiating. Burial in Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. Contributions may be made to Feed The Children, The Gideons or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Funeral services were held Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO with Rev. Paul Burhart officiating. Burial was in the Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Adrian Christian Church, c/o Atkinson Funeral Home, P. O. Box 325, Adrian, MO 64720.

By SHARON KIESEL

In last week’s issue of The Adrian Journal, the first three months of 2011 reflected some good highlights as well as interesting ones within the Adrian community. This week highlights the remainder of 2011. As we look back at the past year, do you remember?

April - Adrian R-III and Archie R-V schools receive Accreditation with Distinction honor on March 28. The Adrian Business Expo was an overwhelming success and showcased many local businesses. Margaret Cawood, Adrian, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 18.

By JERRY FERGUSON

Our community is accomplishing so much in the way of recycling and more gains are forthcoming. Still we need to improve what is being done right now. The drop-off point behind Adrian City Hall exceeds the planned monthly tonnage of recyclables. The glass trailer fills almost monthly. But, we can be more careful by placing only glass in the containers; mirrors and porcelain do not qualify as glass. Also, plastic bags and general trash just complicate the process.

Kalan Hubbard and Jessica Bockelman were united in marriage September 24, 2011 at the farm of Terry and Delia Hubbard in Adrian, MO.

Kalan is the son of Terry and Delia Hubbard and the grandson of Regina Hubbard and Arlin and Stella Vaughn, all of Adrian. Jessica is the daughter of John and Dorcas Bockelman, Peculiar, MO and granddaughter of Allen and Shirley Bockelman, Peculiar and Doug and Judy McCubbin, Harrisonville.

Kalan and Jessica reside in Joplin, Missouri.

After 25 years of dedicated service, Linda L. Jennings, RN, has retired from Bates County Memorial Hospital. Linda began working at the hospital in July, 1986 as an Emergency Medical Technician in the Ambulance Department. After completion of her education to obtain her RN degree, Linda transferred to the Nursing Department as a Registered Nurse in 1991. Linda is a compassionate and caring nurse. Her love for her patients is evident in the care she gives.

David Griffith, age 51, Pleasanton, KS, passed away January 1, 2012 at Olathe Medical Center. Services will be held Thursday, January 5, 2012 at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian, MO, 2:00 p.m. Visitation 1-2:00 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Adrian Christian Church.

Homer J. Stone, 87, Springfield, passed away December 19, 2011, in the Missouri Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon, where he received dedicated, compassionate care for over four years. He was surrounded by his family; Jean, loving wife of 63 years; daughters, Dayna Vantonder and Barbara and Larry Hull; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Services were held on December 23 in Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Springfield, Missouri.

Vikki Lynn Aman, age 60 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at her home in rural Butler. She was born October 11, 1951 to Orville Ray and Freda Leon Barker Aman in Butler.

Funeral services were Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Lance Loughridge officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Assembly of God Church.